What ecological role can the diet of *Sus scrofa* play in healthy woodland ecosystems?

By consuming pest insects or dispersing seeds from eaten fruits.

While wild boars are often noted for the destructive impact of their rooting behavior, particularly in agricultural settings, their diverse omnivorous diet can contribute positively to the health dynamics of established, unmanaged woodland ecosystems. A significant portion of their animal-based intake involves invertebrates, meaning they actively prey upon and consume various insect pests that might otherwise cause localized damage to trees or plants. Furthermore, their consumption of fruits means they ingest seeds. As these seeds pass through their digestive tract and are deposited elsewhere, the boar facilitates seed dispersal throughout the forest, aiding in the propagation and diversity of plant life. This role as both predator of pests and disperser of seeds highlights a nuanced ecological contribution alongside their disruptive tendencies.